Tributes Pour In for CD Gopinath, India's Oldest Test Cricketer Who Passed Away at 96

CD Gopinath's Legacy

CD Gopinath, a former Test cricketer for India and the last surviving member of the team that achieved the nation's first Test victory, has died in Chennai at the age of 96, as reported by various sources. He was recognized as the oldest Test cricketer in India and the second oldest globally, following Australia's Neil Harvey, who is currently 97 years and 183 days old.

Tributes from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) expressed their condolences after Gopinath's passing. They shared a heartfelt message on their social media account, stating, "Rest in peace, CD Gopinath! A true pioneer of Indian cricket and the last surviving member of the historic team that scripted India's first-ever Test victory. Your legacy will forever be etched in the game's rich history."

Rest in peace, CD Gopinath! A true pioneer of Indian cricket and the last surviving member of the historic team that scripted India’s first-ever Test victory. Your legacy will forever be etched in the game’s rich history. #TamilNaduCricket #TNCA #TNCricket

A Glimpse into Gopinath's Cricket Career

Born on March 1, 1930, in Chennai, Gopinath's cricketing journey spanned several decades. He played a total of 83 First Class matches, accumulating 4,259 runs in 119 innings with an impressive average of 42.16. His record includes nine centuries and 23 half-centuries, with a top score of 234.

Gopinath made his Test debut against England at Brabourne Stadium in 1951 and concluded his Test career against Australia at Eden Gardens in 1960. In his debut match, he scored an unbeaten 50 in the first innings and followed it with 42 in the second, contributing to a drawn game.

The fifth Test of his debut series marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as India secured their first Test victory by an innings and eight runs at his home ground in Chennai, where Gopinath scored 35 runs.

Throughout his Test career, Gopinath played in eight matches and scored a total of 242 runs at an average of 22, including one half-century.

The Oldest Living Test Cricketer

With Gopinath's passing, the title of India's oldest living Test cricketer now belongs to 95-year-old Chandrakant Patankar, who played one Test against New Zealand at Eden Gardens in 1956.